Florida

Q6 Since 2017, Florida has offered tax incentives to encourage the construction of data centers. While these facilities can create jobs and support economic growth, they may also increase demand for electricity and water, potentially affecting nearby residents and businesses. In 2025, Senate Bill 484 established additional protections for small businesses and residents located near data centers. Do you believe Florida has struck the right balance between encouraging data center development and protecting local communities? If not, what additional policies, if any, would you support?

4 year moratorium to full asses and understand their effect on the communities they are built near. We have over 100 in Florida, let’s catch our breath for a minute here.

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Q6 Since 2017, Florida has offered tax incentives to encourage the construction of data centers. While these facilities can create jobs and support economic growth, they may also increase demand for electricity and water, potentially affecting nearby residents and businesses. In 2025, Senate Bill 484 established additional protections for small businesses and residents located near data centers. Do you believe Florida has struck the right balance between encouraging data center development and protecting local communities? If not, what additional policies, if any, would you support?

Artificial intelligence and data centers are becoming an important part of Florida’s economy. They can attract investment, create high-paying jobs, strengthen our technology sector, and improve our state’s competitiveness. I support policies that encourage responsible economic development and innovation.

At the same time, economic growth should not come at the expense of local communities. Data centers consume significant amounts of electricity and water, and their development should include responsible planning, environmental stewardship, and transparency. I believe Florida has made progress by establishing additional protections for nearby residents and small businesses, but we should continue evaluating whether those protections remain effective as technology and energy demands evolve.

As your State Representative, I would support policies that:

Require meaningful coordination with local governments and affected communities before large data center projects are approved. Encourage energy-efficient and water-efficient technologies to reduce environmental impacts. Promote investments in electric grid and water infrastructure so existing residents and businesses are not negatively affected. Support workforce development through partnerships with colleges, technical schools, and the private sector to prepare Floridians for careers in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and information technology. Ensure tax incentives provide a measurable return on investment through job creation, economic development, and long-term benefits for Florida taxpayers.

My goal is to make Florida a national leader in technology and innovation while protecting our communities, natural resources, and quality of life. We can achieve both economic growth and responsible stewardship through smart, balanced policymaking.

Keywords: Free-market innovation Private-sector investment Economic growth Technology leadership Limited government Government accountability Fiscal responsibility Return on investment Infrastructure modernization Energy reliability Local control Public-private partnerships Workforce development Responsible regulation Smart growth

Q6 Since 2017, Florida has offered tax incentives to encourage the construction of data centers. While these facilities can create jobs and support economic growth, they may also increase demand for electricity and water, potentially affecting nearby residents and businesses. In 2025, Senate Bill 484 established additional protections for small businesses and residents located near data centers. Do you believe Florida has struck the right balance between encouraging data center development and protecting local communities? If not, what additional policies, if any, would you support?

I do not support the expansion of large data centers in Florida. I do not believe these projects are in the best interest of our communities, and I am opposed to approving them in our state. Instead of pursuing more large scale data center development, we should focus on protecting our existing residents, small businesses, and infrastructure from added strain. I oppose

Any increase in utility costs or resource demand placed on homeowners and small businesses due to data center development. The approval of large data centers without full and transparent disclosure of their environmental and infrastructure impacts. The use of significant water and energy resources for projects that do not directly benefit local communities. Prioritizing corporate development over the needs and voices of Florida residents. Moving forward with major projects without strong, binding protections for local communities.

My position is clear: Florida should not sacrifice its resources, infrastructure, or quality of life for large data center projects. Our priority must always be the people who already live and work here.

Keywords: Florida residents, Priority, Infrastructure

Q6 Since 2017, Florida has offered tax incentives to encourage the construction of data centers. While these facilities can create jobs and support economic growth, they may also increase demand for electricity and water, potentially affecting nearby residents and businesses. In 2025, Senate Bill 484 established additional protections for small businesses and residents located near data centers. Do you believe Florida has struck the right balance between encouraging data center development and protecting local communities? If not, what additional policies, if any, would you support?

Florida has not struck the right balance between encouraging AI‑driven data‑center development and protecting the interests of local communities. The pace of construction has accelerated, but the public has been given very little insight into how these facilities are planned. Transparency has been minimal, and meaningful stakeholder engagement has been largely absent. This matters because AI data centers are not just another category of commercial development. They reshape land use, energy demand, water consumption, and local infrastructure. They also concentrate enormous economic value. When decisions are made without community input, the result is predictable: the burdens fall on local residents, while the financial gains flow elsewhere. To address these problems, I have proposed the Florida AI Bill, which establishes an independent oversight commission and requires structured stakeholder engagement from the local to the global level. More information about the proposed legislation is available here: https://thorntonforhumandignity.com/legislation-proposed/the-florida-ai-bill/ The goal is not to halt innovation. It is to ensure that Florida builds an AI future that strengthens communities rather than bypassing them. Responsible governance requires open planning, honest communication, and a commitment to distributing the benefits of AI fairly.

Q1 Homeowners’ insurance premiums in Florida have increased substantially over the past decade, while many communities across the state continue to face hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards. What policies, if any, do you support to improve Florida’s resilience and better protect residents, infrastructure, and the economy from these risks?

State funding for mangrove restoration and enhancing tree canopies across SFL to provide shade and a windbreak during storms. Key Biscayne has begun studying a new causeway project, i would love to work to get them the funding they need. Brickell and Edgewater need better pump stations paid for by impact fees to new construction projects.

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Q1 Homeowners’ insurance premiums in Florida have increased substantially over the past decade, while many communities across the state continue to face hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards. What policies, if any, do you support to improve Florida’s resilience and better protect residents, infrastructure, and the economy from these risks?

I believe Florida should be a state where everyone has the opportunity to live, work, and raise a family safely and affordably. Protecting our communities from hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards requires practical solutions, not politics.

As your State Representative, I will support strengthening Florida’s infrastructure by investing in stormwater drainage systems, flood mitigation projects, and resilient roads and bridges that can better withstand severe weather. I also support protecting our coastlines, waterways, and natural resources because they are essential to our economy, tourism, and quality of life.

I believe we must address the homeowners’ insurance crisis by increasing accountability in the insurance market, encouraging competition, combating fraud, and pursuing policies that help stabilize premiums for homeowners.

I also support working with local governments, emergency management officials, and the private sector to improve disaster preparedness, modernize building standards where appropriate, and ensure our communities recover quickly after storms. My goal is to protect Florida families, strengthen our economy, and make our state more resilient while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

Keywords: Lower homeowners’ insurance costs. Better hurricane and flood preparedness. Improved drainage and flood-control infrastructure. Protection of Biscayne Bay and local waterways. Responsible stewardship of Florida’s environment. Strong emergency response and disaster recovery. Smart infrastructure investments that protect both residents and businesses.

Q1 Homeowners’ insurance premiums in Florida have increased substantially over the past decade, while many communities across the state continue to face hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards. What policies, if any, do you support to improve Florida’s resilience and better protect residents, infrastructure, and the economy from these risks?

I support improving Florida’s resilience to natural hazards. I believe infrastructure funding should be used for its intended purpose, with strong oversight and accountability to help ensure state funds reach the communities and projects they are allocated for. I also support exploring policies related to homeowners’ insurance costs, including proposals that would place limits on premium increases.

Keywords: Homeowners insurance,Property insurance, Hurricane preparedness, Disaster resilience, Infrastructure, Flood mitigation, Climate resilience, Emergency management, Public safety, Florida economy, Insurance reform, Building codes

Q1 Homeowners’ insurance premiums in Florida have increased substantially over the past decade, while many communities across the state continue to face hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards. What policies, if any, do you support to improve Florida’s resilience and better protect residents, infrastructure, and the economy from these risks?

I support stronger regulations on development in high‑risk coastal and flood‑prone areas. When new construction occurs in places that are especially vulnerable to hurricanes, storm surge, flooding, or extreme heat, the costs of mitigation should be carried by the developers and the buyers—not by the general public through higher insurance premiums or taxpayer‑funded disaster recovery. Risk should be priced where it is created. Florida also needs to strengthen the resilience of its core infrastructure. Communications systems, transportation networks, and logistics must be built and maintained with an all‑hazards approach in mind. Hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other climate‑related threats will continue to affect the state, and our infrastructure must be able to withstand and recover from these events quickly. Protecting residents and the economy requires honest risk assessment, responsible land‑use policy, and a commitment to ensuring that the financial burden of building in dangerous areas does not fall on Floridians who live elsewhere or face lower levels of risk.

Q2 Do you envision a role for renewable energy infrastructure and clean energy industries in Florida’s future economy, and if so, how would you support job creation and workforce development in those sectors in Florida?

Sure. Working with new tech to deploy hydroelectric plants and smart solar to power state facilities is a great idea. Expanding availability and educating the public. The market will do the rest.

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Q2 Do you envision a role for renewable energy infrastructure and clean energy industries in Florida’s future economy, and if so, how would you support job creation and workforce development in those sectors in Florida?

Yes. I believe renewable energy and clean energy technologies have an important role in Florida’s future, as long as they are practical, reliable, and economically responsible. Florida should pursue an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that includes renewable energy alongside reliable traditional energy sources to ensure affordable and dependable power for families and businesses.

As your State Representative, I will support policies that encourage private-sector investment in clean energy industries, including solar energy, energy storage, and innovative technologies that create high-paying jobs for Floridians. I also support expanding workforce training through Florida’s colleges, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and technical education so our workers have the skills needed to compete in the growing energy sector.

My priority is to promote economic growth, strengthen our energy independence, keep energy affordable, and create opportunities for small businesses and skilled workers while protecting taxpayers and maintaining a reliable electric grid. Florida can be a leader in innovation by supporting responsible energy development that benefits both our economy and our environment.

Keywords: Energy independence American energy Energy reliability Private-sector innovation Free-market solutions Affordable energy Balanced energy policy Responsible energy development Grid reliability Infrastructure investment Workforce training Economic growth Technology innovation Domestic manufacturing Reduce government barriers Streamlined permitting

Q2 Do you envision a role for renewable energy infrastructure and clean energy industries in Florida’s future economy, and if so, how would you support job creation and workforce development in those sectors in Florida?

I believe renewable energy and clean energy play an important role in Florida’s economy. I support expanding trade schools, apprenticeships, and technical education programs to prepare workers for careers in these industries. Given Florida’s abundant sunshine, I believe solar energy has significant potential, and I support initiatives that would expand the workforce and manufacturing capacity related to solar energy.

Keywords: Renewable energy, Clean energy, Solar energy, Solar panels, Workforce development ,Job creation, Trade schools, Apprenticeships,Technical education, Energy infrastructure, Economic development, Skilled workforce, Florida economy, Sustainability

Q2 Do you envision a role for renewable energy infrastructure and clean energy industries in Florida’s future economy, and if so, how would you support job creation and workforce development in those sectors in Florida?

Florida has already built a strong foundation in solar energy, and renewable power will play an even larger role in the state’s future economy. As clean energy industries expand, I believe Florida should prioritize home-based and community-based solar systems rather than relying solely on large corporate solar farms. Localized energy generation strengthens grid resilience, reduces transmission losses, and keeps economic benefits within communities. At the same time, artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how energy systems are designed, installed, and maintained. AI will automate many technical tasks that once required specialized training, which means Florida’s workforce strategy must evolve. Workers will need skills that complement AI—hands on expertise, judgment, and the ability to manage home-based microgrids and battery systems. To support job creation, I would promote training programs focused on practical skills such as solar installation, battery storage, energy efficiency upgrades, and community level resilience planning. Partnerships with technical colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs can help build a workforce prepared for an energy sector that increasingly integrates AI tools. Renewable energy—especially decentralized, home-based solar—should be a central part of Florida’s economic future. By preparing workers to operate alongside AI, we can strengthen resilience, create durable jobs, and ensure that clean energy benefits reach every community.

Q1 Homeowners’ insurance premiums in Florida have increased substantially over the past decade, while many communities across the state continue to face hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards. What policies, if any, do you support to improve Florida’s resilience and better protect residents, infrastructure, and the economy from these risks?

State funding for mangrove restoration and enhancing tree canopies across SFL to provide shade and a windbreak during storms. Key Biscayne has begun studying a new causeway project, i would love to work to get them the funding they need. Brickell and Edgewater need better pump stations paid for by impact fees to new construction projects.

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Q1 Homeowners’ insurance premiums in Florida have increased substantially over the past decade, while many communities across the state continue to face hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards. What policies, if any, do you support to improve Florida’s resilience and better protect residents, infrastructure, and the economy from these risks?

I believe Florida should be a state where everyone has the opportunity to live, work, and raise a family safely and affordably. Protecting our communities from hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards requires practical solutions, not politics.

As your State Representative, I will support strengthening Florida’s infrastructure by investing in stormwater drainage systems, flood mitigation projects, and resilient roads and bridges that can better withstand severe weather. I also support protecting our coastlines, waterways, and natural resources because they are essential to our economy, tourism, and quality of life.

I believe we must address the homeowners’ insurance crisis by increasing accountability in the insurance market, encouraging competition, combating fraud, and pursuing policies that help stabilize premiums for homeowners.

I also support working with local governments, emergency management officials, and the private sector to improve disaster preparedness, modernize building standards where appropriate, and ensure our communities recover quickly after storms. My goal is to protect Florida families, strengthen our economy, and make our state more resilient while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

Keywords: Lower homeowners’ insurance costs. Better hurricane and flood preparedness. Improved drainage and flood-control infrastructure. Protection of Biscayne Bay and local waterways. Responsible stewardship of Florida’s environment. Strong emergency response and disaster recovery. Smart infrastructure investments that protect both residents and businesses.

Q1 Homeowners’ insurance premiums in Florida have increased substantially over the past decade, while many communities across the state continue to face hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards. What policies, if any, do you support to improve Florida’s resilience and better protect residents, infrastructure, and the economy from these risks?

I support improving Florida’s resilience to natural hazards. I believe infrastructure funding should be used for its intended purpose, with strong oversight and accountability to help ensure state funds reach the communities and projects they are allocated for. I also support exploring policies related to homeowners’ insurance costs, including proposals that would place limits on premium increases.

Keywords: Homeowners insurance,Property insurance, Hurricane preparedness, Disaster resilience, Infrastructure, Flood mitigation, Climate resilience, Emergency management, Public safety, Florida economy, Insurance reform, Building codes

Q1 Homeowners’ insurance premiums in Florida have increased substantially over the past decade, while many communities across the state continue to face hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards. What policies, if any, do you support to improve Florida’s resilience and better protect residents, infrastructure, and the economy from these risks?

I support stronger regulations on development in high‑risk coastal and flood‑prone areas. When new construction occurs in places that are especially vulnerable to hurricanes, storm surge, flooding, or extreme heat, the costs of mitigation should be carried by the developers and the buyers—not by the general public through higher insurance premiums or taxpayer‑funded disaster recovery. Risk should be priced where it is created. Florida also needs to strengthen the resilience of its core infrastructure. Communications systems, transportation networks, and logistics must be built and maintained with an all‑hazards approach in mind. Hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other climate‑related threats will continue to affect the state, and our infrastructure must be able to withstand and recover from these events quickly. Protecting residents and the economy requires honest risk assessment, responsible land‑use policy, and a commitment to ensuring that the financial burden of building in dangerous areas does not fall on Floridians who live elsewhere or face lower levels of risk.

Q4 Florida is home to many high-quality STEM education programs, including specialized magnet schools, career academies, and advanced science and technology curricula. However, access to these opportunities varies across the state due to factors such as geography, school resources, and program availability. What policies, if any, do you support to expand equitable access to high-quality STEM education for students across Florida?

I believe most counties offer these programs both in public and in their private school counterparts. I will support School Boards continuing to push for it in curriculums.

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Q4 Florida is home to many high-quality STEM education programs, including specialized magnet schools, career academies, and advanced science and technology curricula. However, access to these opportunities varies across the state due to factors such as geography, school resources, and program availability. What policies, if any, do you support to expand equitable access to high-quality STEM education for students across Florida?

I believe every student in Florida, regardless of their ZIP code, should have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, the workforce, or military service. STEM education science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is essential to developing the skilled workforce that will drive Florida’s future economy.

As your State Representative, I will support expanding access to STEM programs by increasing partnerships between K-12 schools, career and technical education (CTE) programs, colleges, universities, and private industry. I also support increasing opportunities for students to participate in robotics, coding, engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other high-demand career fields.

I believe we should invest in teacher recruitment and professional development, modern classroom technology, and career academies while ensuring that rural and underserved communities have access to the same high-quality STEM opportunities as larger school districts.

I also support strengthening apprenticeship programs, internships, and dual-enrollment opportunities so students can earn industry certifications and college credit while still in high school. These programs help prepare students for high-paying careers, reduce workforce shortages, and strengthen Florida’s economy.

My goal is to ensure every student has the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world.

Keywords: Educational excellence School choice Parental rights Career readiness Workforce development Merit-based achievement Accountability Local control Innovation Fiscal responsibility Skilled workforce Public-private partnerships Technology education STEM workforce Opportunity for every student

Q4 Florida is home to many high-quality STEM education programs, including specialized magnet schools, career academies, and advanced science and technology curricula. However, access to these opportunities varies across the state due to factors such as geography, school resources, and program availability. What policies, if any, do you support to expand equitable access to high-quality STEM education for students across Florida?

I strongly support expanding access to high-quality STEM education across Florida because a child’s future should not depend on their ZIP code. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn science, technology, engineering, and math, whether they attend a large school, a small school, or live in an urban or rural community.

As your State Representative, I will support: Expanding STEM programs in underserved schools. Investing in career and technical education so students graduate with real job skills. Creating stronger partnerships between schools, colleges, nonprofits, and local businesses to provide internships, mentoring, and hands-on learning. Ensuring every student has access to modern technology, high-speed internet, and qualified STEM teachers.

For me, STEM is about more than education it’s about creating pathways to good-paying jobs, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. If we prepare our young people today, we will build a stronger Florida tomorrow.

Keywords: Stem

Q4 Florida is home to many high-quality STEM education programs, including specialized magnet schools, career academies, and advanced science and technology curricula. However, access to these opportunities varies across the state due to factors such as geography, school resources, and program availability. What policies, if any, do you support to expand equitable access to high-quality STEM education for students across Florida?

In my view, this thoughtful question—asked with good intentions—does not fully address the immediate crisis facing education in the era of rapidly advancing AI. For years, STEM fields were promoted as the primary pathway to support technological progress and strengthen our workforce. Today, however, those same fields are becoming a dead end for many students when compared to the capabilities of AI, AGI, and even emerging forms of superintelligence. Some prominent technology leaders now argue that we must return to the liberal arts to help young people develop the skills that machines cannot easily replicate: communication, critical thinking, and imagination. Consider the current direction of national policy. The First Lady of the United States has called for every child to have access to a personalized AI teaching assistant and individualized education plan. If we take that seriously—and we should—then ensuring equitable access to high‑quality education requires urgent collaboration and planning. We must begin defining what “quality education” will look like not in a distant future, but next year and two years from now. The landscape is shifting quickly. STEM education alone cannot prepare students for a world where AI systems outperform humans in many technical tasks. At the same time, liberal arts education cannot remain static; it must evolve to teach students how to think, interpret, and create in partnership with powerful new technologies. The challenge before us is to redesign education so that it strengthens the human capacities that remain essential—judgment, ethics, creativity, and the ability to understand context. Preparing for this future requires clear thinking and collective action. The question is not whether AI will reshape education, but whether we will shape that transformation responsibly and equitably.

Q3 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.

I always study any issue before making a decision. I research primary accounts or data. Where it is not readily available I request input from experts. I don’t trust any expert blindly but I will use them to inform my decision making process.

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Q3 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.

I believe good public policy should be based on facts, transparency, and accountability. As a legislator, I will seek information from multiple credible sources, including scientists, medical professionals, engineers, economists, business leaders, and the people who will be directly affected by the policy. I also believe it is important to review data, consider differing viewpoints, ask thoughtful questions, and evaluate both the scientific evidence and the real-world economic and social impacts before making a decision.

Science plays an important role in informing policy, but policymakers must also consider constitutional principles, individual rights, fiscal responsibility, and the practical consequences of legislation. My goal is to make decisions based on reliable evidence while ensuring that policies serve the best interests of Florida’s families, businesses, and communities.

One example is Florida’s increasing vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding. Scientific research, engineering studies, and historical storm data demonstrate the need for stronger infrastructure, improved stormwater systems, and better disaster preparedness. Those findings reinforce my support for investing in resilient infrastructure that protects lives, reduces long-term costs, and strengthens our economy while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

As your State Representative, I will always remain open to new evidence, listen respectfully to experts and constituents, and make decisions that are informed, balanced, and focused on achieving the best outcomes for District 108 and the State of Florida.

Keywords: Evidence-based policy Common-sense solutions Fiscal responsibility Transparency Government accountability Individual freedom Constitutional government Public safety Innovation Private-sector expertise Local input Practical results Cost-effective solutions Responsible stewardship Balanced decision-making

Q3 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.

I seek information from independent experts and compare multiple sources. I weigh the benefits, risks, costs, and uncertainties before making decisions. I also consider existing policies and the concerns of the communities that would be affected. One example of putting these principles into practice was participating in an Adopt-a-Street initiative to help promote a cleaner environment in my community.

Keywords: Scientific evidence, Independent experts, Research, Multiple sources, Evidence-based decision-making, Public policy, Risk assessment, Cost-benefit analysis, Community engagement, Policymaking, Environmental stewardship

Q3 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.

As a clinical scientist and academic, I rely on multiple experts when evaluating scientific information. My professional training has taught me how to ask precise questions, how to separate evidence from personal belief, and how to recognize when interpretations drift beyond what the data can support. I understand how limited samples can be overgeneralized and how conclusions can be stretched beyond their proper boundaries. The COVID‑19 pandemic made these issues impossible to ignore. As a hospital‑based physician, I witnessed firsthand the relentless toll the virus took on vulnerable patients. I saw routine medical services disrupted as resources were diverted to manage the crisis. At the same time, I watched political leaders take firm positions on public‑health restrictions and, in some cases, influence data collection and reporting in ways that aligned with their preferred narratives. These experiences pushed me to become more politically engaged. I wanted to help bring a more honest and informed discourse to public decision‑making. Clinical science offers clues about what is happening in real time, but it is always evolving as new data emerge. Policy, by contrast, is often rigid and binary. Policymakers must weigh economic, social, and psychological factors that extend far beyond the scope of clinical evidence. For example, a decision to reopen society earlier than other states may be justified by economic or psychological considerations for the broader population. But it is wrong to reshape or reinterpret science simply to support that decision. Sound decision‑making requires a clear assessment of risks, benefits, and alternatives. When leaders make difficult choices, they have a responsibility to explain the factors behind those decisions truthfully—without bending scientific information to fit a predetermined outcome.

Q5 The 2026–2030 Florida Cancer Plan identifies several key cancer prevention strategies, including tobacco cessation, HPV vaccination, reducing UV radiation exposure, lowering excessive alcohol consumption, and reducing radon gas exposure. What policies or public health initiatives would you support to advance these prevention efforts and help reduce cancer rates in Florida?

My tree canopy support will help people be able to step out of the sun on walks. I want to push for education on these matters. I will also set a cap on radon detected in a building to be considered safe.

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Q5 The 2026–2030 Florida Cancer Plan identifies several key cancer prevention strategies, including tobacco cessation, HPV vaccination, reducing UV radiation exposure, lowering excessive alcohol consumption, and reducing radon gas exposure. What policies or public health initiatives would you support to advance these prevention efforts and help reduce cancer rates in Florida?

I believe preventing disease is one of the most effective ways to improve public health and reduce healthcare costs. Florida should continue investing in evidence-based public health initiatives that educate residents about cancer risks while respecting individual freedom and informed decision-making.

As your State Representative, I would support expanding public education campaigns on tobacco cessation, healthy lifestyles, sun safety, and environmental health risks such as radon exposure. I also support increasing access to cancer screenings and preventive healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities, because early detection saves lives and reduces long-term healthcare costs.

I believe parents should have access to accurate, science-based information about recommended vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, so they can make informed healthcare decisions in consultation with their child’s healthcare provider.

I also support partnerships among schools, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and local governments to promote healthy living, reduce tobacco and excessive alcohol use, and encourage regular preventive care.

My goal is to improve the health of Floridians through education, prevention, early detection, personal responsibility, and community partnerships while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and efficiently.

Keywords: Personal responsibility Informed consent Individual freedom Patient choice Preventive healthcare Early detection Community partnerships Local solutions Evidence-based medicine Fiscal responsibility Healthy lifestyles Education and awareness Efficient use of taxpayer dollars Access to care Public-private collaboration

Q5 The 2026–2030 Florida Cancer Plan identifies several key cancer prevention strategies, including tobacco cessation, HPV vaccination, reducing UV radiation exposure, lowering excessive alcohol consumption, and reducing radon gas exposure. What policies or public health initiatives would you support to advance these prevention efforts and help reduce cancer rates in Florida?

Cancer has touched far too many Florida families. I believe the best way to fight cancer is to prevent it whenever possible.

As your State Representative, I will support: Expanding access to cancer screenings and early detection, especially in underserved communities. Increasing education about the dangers of tobacco, excessive alcohol use, and unnecessary UV exposure. Supporting voluntary vaccination programs and giving families accurate information so they can make informed healthcare decisions. Working to reduce environmental risks, including radon exposure where appropriate, and promoting healthier homes and communities. Partnering with schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and local businesses to promote healthy lifestyles and prevention.

My goal is simple: keep people healthier, catch cancer earlier, and save lives. Preventing disease is not only good for families it’s also one of the smartest ways to reduce healthcare costs and build a stronger Florida.

Keywords: Cancer, Reduce risks, Florida families, Environmental risks

Q5 The 2026–2030 Florida Cancer Plan identifies several key cancer prevention strategies, including tobacco cessation, HPV vaccination, reducing UV radiation exposure, lowering excessive alcohol consumption, and reducing radon gas exposure. What policies or public health initiatives would you support to advance these prevention efforts and help reduce cancer rates in Florida?

Cancer prevention and treatment are undergoing rapid and fundamental change. Because of this, we should pause any long‑term strategic planning that relies on outdated assumptions. We can continue our current practices in the short term, but our future planning must incorporate the capabilities of modern AI. AI can help us evaluate the true impact of our existing efforts, re‑examine public‑health data to understand how cancer incidence is shifting, and synthesize emerging knowledge about new treatments and their expected effects on survival. Only after taking advantage of these tools should we return to the task of designing a forward‑looking public‑health strategy. In other words, the landscape is changing too quickly for us to rely on traditional planning alone. To build an effective cancer‑prevention and treatment plan for the next year—and the next two years—we need to integrate AI‑driven analysis, updated evidence, and a realistic understanding of how innovation is reshaping outcomes.

Q3 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.

I always study any issue before making a decision. I research primary accounts or data. Where it is not readily available I request input from experts. I don’t trust any expert blindly but I will use them to inform my decision making process.

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Q3 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.

I believe good public policy should be based on facts, transparency, and accountability. As a legislator, I will seek information from multiple credible sources, including scientists, medical professionals, engineers, economists, business leaders, and the people who will be directly affected by the policy. I also believe it is important to review data, consider differing viewpoints, ask thoughtful questions, and evaluate both the scientific evidence and the real-world economic and social impacts before making a decision.

Science plays an important role in informing policy, but policymakers must also consider constitutional principles, individual rights, fiscal responsibility, and the practical consequences of legislation. My goal is to make decisions based on reliable evidence while ensuring that policies serve the best interests of Florida’s families, businesses, and communities.

One example is Florida’s increasing vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding. Scientific research, engineering studies, and historical storm data demonstrate the need for stronger infrastructure, improved stormwater systems, and better disaster preparedness. Those findings reinforce my support for investing in resilient infrastructure that protects lives, reduces long-term costs, and strengthens our economy while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

As your State Representative, I will always remain open to new evidence, listen respectfully to experts and constituents, and make decisions that are informed, balanced, and focused on achieving the best outcomes for District 108 and the State of Florida.

Keywords: Evidence-based policy Common-sense solutions Fiscal responsibility Transparency Government accountability Individual freedom Constitutional government Public safety Innovation Private-sector expertise Local input Practical results Cost-effective solutions Responsible stewardship Balanced decision-making

Q3 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.

I seek information from independent experts and compare multiple sources. I weigh the benefits, risks, costs, and uncertainties before making decisions. I also consider existing policies and the concerns of the communities that would be affected. One example of putting these principles into practice was participating in an Adopt-a-Street initiative to help promote a cleaner environment in my community.

Keywords: Scientific evidence, Independent experts, Research, Multiple sources, Evidence-based decision-making, Public policy, Risk assessment, Cost-benefit analysis, Community engagement, Policymaking, Environmental stewardship

Q3 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.

As a clinical scientist and academic, I rely on multiple experts when evaluating scientific information. My professional training has taught me how to ask precise questions, how to separate evidence from personal belief, and how to recognize when interpretations drift beyond what the data can support. I understand how limited samples can be overgeneralized and how conclusions can be stretched beyond their proper boundaries. The COVID‑19 pandemic made these issues impossible to ignore. As a hospital‑based physician, I witnessed firsthand the relentless toll the virus took on vulnerable patients. I saw routine medical services disrupted as resources were diverted to manage the crisis. At the same time, I watched political leaders take firm positions on public‑health restrictions and, in some cases, influence data collection and reporting in ways that aligned with their preferred narratives. These experiences pushed me to become more politically engaged. I wanted to help bring a more honest and informed discourse to public decision‑making. Clinical science offers clues about what is happening in real time, but it is always evolving as new data emerge. Policy, by contrast, is often rigid and binary. Policymakers must weigh economic, social, and psychological factors that extend far beyond the scope of clinical evidence. For example, a decision to reopen society earlier than other states may be justified by economic or psychological considerations for the broader population. But it is wrong to reshape or reinterpret science simply to support that decision. Sound decision‑making requires a clear assessment of risks, benefits, and alternatives. When leaders make difficult choices, they have a responsibility to explain the factors behind those decisions truthfully—without bending scientific information to fit a predetermined outcome.